Can dogs use red light therapy panels?

Pets should not use a red light therapy panel casually or without caution.

Red and near-infrared light are used in veterinary photobiomodulation, and there are veterinary studies looking at light therapy in dogs. But that does not mean every home red light therapy panel should be used on pets without guidance.

A human red light therapy panel is not automatically a pet treatment device.

If you want to use red light therapy for a dog, cat, or other pet, the safest answer is:

Speak to your vet first, use eye protection, avoid shining the panel into the animal’s eyes, and do not use it as a replacement for veterinary care.

What is photobiomodulation in veterinary medicine?

Photobiomodulation is the technical term often used for red and near-infrared light therapy in clinical and research settings.

In veterinary medicine, photobiomodulation is often delivered with laser or LED devices under controlled conditions.

A 2023 veterinary review called Laser therapy explains that photobiomodulation is used in veterinary medicine for areas such as musculoskeletal conditions, skin, wound healing, and rehabilitation. Again, within a veterinary context, not with regards your home panel.

The important difference is control.

A vet can consider:

• the animal’s condition
• the treatment area
• coat length and colour
• device type
• wavelength
• dose
• eye safety
• pain level
• medical history

What do studies in dogs say?

There is some research on photobiomodulation in dogs.

A randomized, blind, placebo-controlled study looked at photobiomodulation therapy in dogs with elbow osteoarthritis. The study involved veterinary patients and used a controlled PBM protocol. The researchers reported improvements in some measures.

Another randomized double-blinded controlled study looked at photobiomodulation therapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritis. The PubMed summary reports that PBMT reduced pain levels and improved clinical findings in that study.

A 2024 study also looked at post-surgical photobiomodulation therapy in dogs after prophylactic gastropexy. It involved 20 dogs and compared a PBMT group with a control group after surgery.

These studies are useful because they show that PBM is being investigated and used in veterinary contexts.

But they do not prove that every consumer red light panel is suitable for pets.

Why human panels may not be ideal for pets

A human panel may be too bright, too large, too awkward, or too hard to position safely around an animal.

Pets also move.

A person can sit still, wear goggles, and follow instructions. A dog may turn its head, look at the panel, walk away, or become stressed.

Other factors matter too:

• fur may block or scatter light
• dark coats may absorb light differently
• pets vary in size
• some pets have eye problems
• some pets are anxious around bright lights
• dosage is not the same for every animal
• the panel may not be designed for veterinary use

A study on laser power, wavelength, coat length, and coat colour in dogs found that coat characteristics can affect light transmission. That matters because a furry animal is not the same as bare human skin.

Are red light therapy panels harmful for pets’ eyes?

The main concern is direct eye exposure.

A red light therapy panel can be bright, and near-infrared light is mostly invisible. A pet may not understand that it should not look at the light.

The MSD Veterinary Manual section on photomedicine in veterinary patients notes that the main risks of laser therapy involve retinal damage and thermal burns when improperly applied, and that laser light can damage the retina if reflected or shown directly into the eye.

Do not shine bright red or near-infrared light directly into your pet’s eyes.

If a vet uses PBM near the head or face, they can manage eye safety properly. At home, that is much harder.

Should pets wear eye protection?

If a panel is anywhere near a pet’s face or eyes, eye protection is important.

In practice, this can be difficult and comical at the same time. Some dogs may tolerate pet goggles, we’ve all seen the videos. Others may not. My dogs won’t even go anywhere near a pet jersey, let alone goggles.

What about using the panel near your dog while you use it?

This is more common than people realize. You may use your red light therapy panel, and your dog may sit nearby. That does not mean the pet is being “treated,” but the pet may still be exposed to bright light if it faces the panel.

Here some easy and practical tips to follow:

• keep pets out of the direct beam
• do not let them stare into the panel
• use the panel in a controlled space
• do not leave the panel running unattended

Can I use my panel on my dog’s sore leg or back?

Clearly there are studies regarding red light therapy and usage for dogs. You might even find handheld devices being sold online specifically for animal. However, we cannot legally or safely recommend that you should use a red light therapy panel to treat your pet’s pain, injury, arthritis, wound, or medical condition and even more so, without speaking to a vet.

Even though veterinary PBM studies exist, your pet may need a diagnosis, medication, imaging, wound care, weight management, surgery, or another treatment.

A panel should not delay proper veterinary care.

A vet can tell you whether PBM is appropriate and whether a pet-specific device or clinic treatment is a better option.

What if my vet approves it?

If your vet approves home use, ask for specific guidance.

Ask:

• where to apply the light
• how far away to place the device
• how long to use it
• how often to use it
• whether the pet needs eye protection
• what warning signs to watch for
• when to stop

Conclusion

Pets can be treated with photobiomodulation in veterinary settings, and there are studies in dogs. But that does not mean you should casually use a human red light therapy panel on your dog.

Pets cannot clearly tell you when something feels too bright, too warm, or uncomfortable. Please consult your vet first before trying any red light therapy device on your dog or any animal for that matter.

FAQ

Can dogs use red light therapy?

Photobiomodulation is used and studied in veterinary medicine, including in dogs. But you should speak to a vet before using a home panel on your dog.

Is red light therapy dangerous for pets’ eyes?

Direct bright light exposure can be a concern, especially near the face. Avoid shining red or near-infrared light into your pet’s eyes.

Can my dog sit near me while I use my panel?

Yes, but keep your dog out of the direct beam and do not let it stare into the panel.

Can I use red light therapy instead of going to the vet?

No. Do not use red light therapy as a replacement for diagnosis, treatment, medication, surgery, or veterinary care.

Disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Do not use a red light therapy panel to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition in an animal. Speak to a qualified veterinarian before using red light therapy on a pet, especially if your pet has pain, injury, eye problems, wounds, illness, or is taking medication.